The official opening of Blantyre’s infant school took place at 2pm on 10th April 1893. Remarkably, we have a great description of that afternoon’s events from 132 years ago.
On that Monday afternoon, a number of parents and friends, along with members of the School Board were present in the inauguration of the Stonefield Infant School. Mr John Craig, Chairman of the Board presided. Amongst others who were present wee Messrs Beveridge, Small, Banks, Douglas and Downs, Dr and Mrs Grant, Mrs Dunlop, Dr Halkett, Mr Alexander Cullen the Architect and others.
An opening hymn was sung and the Lord’s Prayer was recited by the children.
The Chairman said – “It gives me the greatest pleasure to preside as Chairman of the School Board, at the opening of our New infant School. Mr Ness has very kindly placed at my disposal some statistics with regard to our school accommodation , which I’m sure will be interesting to you. In 1873, it seems the educational wants of Blantyre were adequately met by the School at Blantyre Works , owned and maintained by Messrs Henry Monteith & Co, which was made famous by Dr Livingstone. In 1873, that school was taken over by the School Board and in the following year, Stonefield Parish School was commenced and made ready for occupation by the end of 1875.
It was erected to accommodate 400 scholars, but such was the expansion of Stonefield, over 300 children enrolled in the very first week alone. By 1882, the roll had expanded to well beyond the schools capability and forced the Board to consider extensions to the existing building. Accordingly, in 1883, new rooms were added to the school, and these could accommodate a further 250 pupils, meaning over 650 pupils now attended Stonefield Parish School, with average classes of 60 children. By 1890, the school was once again filled and proving inadequate.
This was the status of affairs when that present Board were elected and amongst their first decision in 1891 was to erect a brand new infant school. So the professional services of Architect Mr Cullen of Motherwell was drafted who had the task of designing a beautiful school for the youngsters. Mr Cullen decided to use the main school as inspiration and came up with the school pictured. A building suitable for 200 children and embracing modern architecture and appliances for infant education , besides accommodating the comfort and health of teachers.
More about the opening day tomorrow….
Just seems so incredible that this wasn’t that long ago nostalgia plus